29.5.12

hip hip hooray... or something.

Today was Paddy's birthday. We spent the evening enjoying a delicious meal at our local Japanese restaurant. As lovely as it was, we weren't really in the mood for celebrating. Paddy leaves for China on Sunday - a work trip that will require him being away from us for the majority of the next two months. He'll return home midway for a ten day break and then leave again for another three or so weeks.

Paddy going away for work isn't new to me. We've battled through more than our fair share of long distance, a sacrifice we made in earlier years to save for a house - to feather our nest. But with our hatchling now here, the idea of our little family being separated for even a short time makes me feel sick to the pit of my stomach*.

Solo parenting for the next two months is going to be exhausting, but honestly the very least of my worries. More than anything, I'm just a little heartbroken at the thought of these two missing out on each other. There's such a sweetness to this father-daughter bond, their little daily rituals - those magical minutes when Daddy gets home from work. We're really going to miss him, and boy is he going to miss his little girl.

Happy Birthday my Love... hurry back to us! xxx

* This is me being completely melodramatic. Of course, there's countless families out there faced with so much worse.

** These photos were taken a few weeks ago when Paddy sported a rather untamed beard - one more thing he's had to leave behind for this work trip!

28 comments
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Oh, that is so sad (happy birthday Paddy by the way!). Hopefully he can skype or something? It's not the same thoughmI know. Scott works away from time to time but just for a week or so at a time. It is hard. Just think how excited she'll be when he comes back. Xxx

Oh Claire, hun that is hard. I struggle when Scott goes away for a week with work... two months is full on. And like yourself, I don't actually find the mothering part the biggest struggle... it's the missing out on each other I don't like.Just try to cross each day off and count down to the big reunite. It will be worth it in the long run. Beautiful photos of your special two.xo

that makes me so sad. those 10 days at home in the middle will be so special though, and hopefully he won't have to go for a while after it's over, fingers crossed. can't bare to be parted from my boy either. we'll keep you company. x

It's understandable to be stressed, just because others have worse doesn't mean your pain is not relevant.I hope that you find a lovely alternate rhythm through Skype or other ways and that when he comes home it's the most wonderful reunion ever.

ooh yeah, that's tough. My hubby is away at the moment for just a few days and that's hard enough. Just focus on the positives... room in the bed to stretch out and eating eggs on toast for tea! ok, so that's not much consolation. Hope you guys manage ok... (p.s. that smile in the last photo is just divine).

Wishing you ll the best for this challenging time. I think when my elder two were little we were apart a week because of Daniel's work and it wasn't easy. On the plus side I kept meals very simple and had the remote control to myself :)

I can just tell that the next few months are going to fly by and although you will both miss Paddy, you will be just fine. Kate :)Ps. So glad you are back blogging. I love saying the updated shots of your little girl.

Oh happy birthday Paddy! I hope the ladies have a freezer full of your yummy dinners to eat while you're gone ; ) Surround yourself with family and friends. Especially those who are happy to look after Lalie while you take a sneaky break and recharge those batteries. xx

These photos are gorgeous Claire. You and that camera were made for each other. Ok, that sounds lame but you know what I mean. You really take some beautiful photos. xx

i meet more and more people these days that are forced into long distance stints. we did it ourselves for a year and it was just awful (and we only have fur children, not human children!) crappy globalisation :) thinking happy thoughts and a hug your way xx

Dare I say I can imagine the heartache and internal waves of panic you may be feeling from time to time as Paddy's departure approaches? In my humble opinion it's usually the first couple of days which are the most emotional. After that, I am pretty sure, you will be the (mostly) strong mama your daughter needs. Don't feel you need to be strong ALL the time though ey? You are allowed to grumble and moan a little? Also think how your bond with your sweet child will strengthen; it will serve you in good stead in your future relationship... and how EXCITING the anticipation of Paddy's return will be.

Lalie looks so much older suddenly! Such a beautiful, happy face. And nothing more lovely than a Papa and his baby girl. I can't imagine how you're dreading Paddy being away, it's going to be tough. But the time will fly, i'm sure, and he'll be back where he belongs - with his gorgeous girls.

Lalie looks so much older suddenly! Such a beautiful, happy face. And nothing more lovely than a Papa and his baby girl. I can't imagine how you're dreading Paddy being away, it's going to be tough. But the time will fly, i'm sure, and he'll be back where he belongs - with his gorgeous girls.

We have just said good bye to a majorly untamed beard in this house too. One crumb too many getting left behind unnoticed ;) Hope the coming weeks fly by for your sweet little family, I suddenly feel bad for complaining that Chris is away playing footy on Saturdays. PS. Happy Birthday Paddy!x

i know exactly how you feel claire. my partner works overseas for long stretches and is currently in china for 10 weeks too (we have 6 weeks to go until he returns). it is a long time and i am glad for you that he will have some time home in the middle of it all. i have a two year old and it has been especially tough for her this time around. she understands he is working, can point out china on the map but of course still can't comprehend the concept of time and distance. my partner has also always worked away but i think this age is the hardest yet, even harder than when she was a baby. we also have little communication (only email) at the moment as that is just the nature of his job location. okay for me as i get some contact but hard for a little one. my heart goes out to you because it is hard, all i can suggest is give your little one plenty of time, lots of cuddles and attention and have many early nights yourself.

I hope that you are well I can only imagine how much the two of you are going to miss Paddy. I hope that the time flies by and that you spend lots of time with company. Take care lovely. I just want you to know that I always visit even if I don't say hi I'm sorry it's been a while. xx

awww belated birthday wishes to paddy! always, always your photos make me smile claire. solo parenting for that amount of time, my goodness that is hard work. its hard for all of you, but definitely for paddy, he is going to miss so much growing the next few months, this is the time they really become little people. the bond between them is so obvious. I hope you have a bit of help while he's away, and to steal jodi's words, go gently x

oh boo it sucks! 8 weeks is a long time.. I bet it will be hardest on Paddy being away from both his Girls. My Mister often goes away for 2 weeks at a time (he just left yesterday) and it is tough on everyone. Not ideal. I was hoping this kind of work was behind us too. Hope the 8 weeks goes super fast for you allxx